A Reunion of Comrades, old and new, at Rosedale: 78th Mobilisation Anniversary and Reunion Luncheon 2018

Article by Regine Lord & Alan Brashaw. Photos by Regine Lord.

The Dukes Association held their annual reunion luncheon at the premises of the South African Legion, Rosedale, in Rosebank on Saturday, 19 May 2018. The event marked the 78th anniversary of the Mobilisation of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade (1940 – 1978), which saw a large number of Dukes being called up for military service in World War II. It also marked the 41st anniversary of the mobilisation of the Dukes regiment for border duty in South West Africa in 1977.

Photo 1: Mr Alan Brashaw (Chairman of the Dukes Association) welcomes the guests

At the commencement of World War II in 1939, the Union of was still part of the British Empire. On 1 September 1939, Germany had invaded Poland, thus sparking World War II. Over the next two years, German forces invaded and occupied numerous countries, all around its circumference – the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Yugoslavia, Greece and Norway.

In 1940, , then Prime Minister of Britain, requested the South African government to supply both men and war machinery to assist the war effort. In this way, South Africa was drawn into the war on the side of the Allies, and troops were supplied to defend the Empire against German invasion. South Africa’s participation in World War II lasted some five years.

The South African 1st Brigade was formed by merging South Africa’s three premier infantry regiments at that time, being:

 The D E O R – the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles – The Dukes) (Cape Town)  The Transvaal Scottish – The Jocks (Johannesburg)  The Royal Natal Carbineers – The Carbs (Pietermaritzburg)

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These three units assembled at Premier Mine, Johannesburg, received their kit, training and were equipped for war. Most of those who joined were young men eager to defend their country; many of them never returned. After training, they embarked by train (some by ship) and travelled through African countries, such as Abyssinia and Ethiopia, into the Sahara Desert in North Africa, where most of the campaigns took place. The 1st Brigade under the very capable leadership of General Dan Pienaar joined up with other Allied divisions in the desert war, fighting against German General ’s Afrika Corps, which eventually surrendered.

The Dukes left Cape Town by train on the 20th of May 1940. This is thus the day on which the Dukes Association celebrates the mobilisation of the 1st Brigade with an annual reunion of military veterans at which traditions are remembered and familiar stories of bravery, determination, strength and sheer will power to get the job done are shared among old comrades.

Sadly, time has taken its toll, and now only two World War II veterans are still alive to attend this annual function – Mr Alf Kramer (97 years old) and Mr Alf Husband (95 years old).

Photo 2: Colonel Leslie Masterson, Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Krecklenberg, Mr Alan Brashaw (Chairman of the Dukes Association), and Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais (current OC of the Dukes) with Mr Alf Kramer (left) and Mr Alf Husband (right)

Both veterans had joined the DEOR (Dukes) in 1940, at the start of South Africa’s participation in World War II. They were posted with the Dukes, and saw action in Abyssinia and Ethiopia before the unit reached the Sahara Desert. The El Alamein campaign saw particularly fierce fighting, with many South African soldiers captured and made prisoners of war; some managed to escape and were repatriated back to South Africa. Both Mr Alf Kramer and Mr Alf Husband, along with many other South African soldiers, were then drafted into the Special Services Battalion (SSB), and spent two-and-a-half years in Italy with the SSB Tank Corps, until the end of the war.

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This annual reunion is also used to mark the 41st anniversary of the mobilisation of the Dukes regiment for border duty in South West Africa in 1977. From the late 70’s into the mid 80’s South Africa mobilized its forces all along the borders with neighbouring countries in an effort to protect itself and its citizens against terrorism. Many of its young soldiers were drafted into the services of the army. The Dukes were called upon to deploy a battalion to the South West African border. The Regiment’s Officer Commanding at that time was Lt Col Les Masterson, who was the youngest OC ever to command the Dukes in battle. The Regiment were entrained in Cape Town and the journey to their base camp took some 4 days/nights. Numerous other deployments of the regiment took place over the years.

Mr Alan Brashaw warmly welcomed the invited guests, who included Brigadier General Les Fouché, Leslie Masterson (previously the Honorary Colonel of the Dukes), Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais (the current OC), Lt Col Ray Nesset (previous OC), Lt Col Leslie McKenzie, Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg (previous OC) and Lt Col Bryan Sterne, as well as members of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade, being the Dukes, the Transvaal Scottish, and the Natal Carbineers.

This well-attended event brought together some 53 old friends and comrades, past and present commanding officers, current serving members and friends of the Cape Town Rifles (Dukes). All thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mingle and reminisce, with many a tall tale and hilarious anecdote being shared amidst roars of laughter and clinking of glasses.

Photo 3: Mr Alan Brashaw addressing the guests at the annual reunion luncheon at Rosedale

Calling for a moment of silence, Mr Alan Brashaw said, “Remembrance is an important part of who we are as a regiment. Two years ago, the Dukes Association presented the Regiment with the Roll of Honour. We now have a record of those brave men who died in the service of the Regiment and our country over the past 162 years. It is important that we keep the act of Remembrance. We bow our heads every year for those who paid the supreme sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

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Photo 4: A moment of silence in remembrance of fallen comrades

The Dukes Association expressed their condolences to Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg, whose wife Bertha had passed away a few months ago. She regularly attended Dukes functions over many years, always supporting her husband and the Regiment.

Photo 5: Mr Alan Brashaw handing a small gift to Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg

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Photo 6: Chaplain Anthony Gregorowski said Grace, before the first course was served.

Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais spoke about some of the recent activities of the Cape Town Rifles (Dukes), as well as mentioning the training and deployment they will be undergoing later this year. He concluded by offering a toast to the Regiment.

Photo 7: Lieutenant Colonel Francois Marais

A warm welcome was extended to the Cape-based members of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association and their spouses who joined the festivities.

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Photo 8: Mr Alan Brashaw (centre) with Western Cape members of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association (from left to right), Neville Bennett, Malcolm Stephenson, Peter and Magda Bolton, Jacques van Wyk with his partner Janine O’Connor, and Gordon Sharman (Chairman)

Also at the function were three members of the United States Marines Corps from the US Embassy in Tokai. The Dukes’ Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess has had a long- standing relationship with the US Marines stationed at the US Embassy in Cape Town, and regularly attend each other’s functions, such as mess meetings, parades, luncheons, military dinners.

Photo 9: Mr Stephen Els with the Detachment Commander, Gunnery Sergeant David Adames and two of his Marines, Sergeant Samuel Hissong and Corporal Edward Harrison Junior

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The luncheon ended with the awarding of raffle prizes to several lucky recipients!

Photo 10: The DEOR Trust Committee:- Back row: Mr Alan Brashaw, Lt Col Bryan Sterne, Mr Roy Kirsten, Mr David Holmes; Front row: Lt Col Francois Marais, Colonel Leslie Masterson, Lt Col Manfred Krecklenberg, and Lt Col Ray Nesset.

Photo 11: The Dukes Association Committee:- Back row: Sgt S.J Els, M E Neu, Lt Col Ray Nesset, D.A. Holmes, and V.J Reynolds. Front row: D. Berry, Lt Col Francois Marais, Mr A.R. Brashaw, S. Mittens, J. Dorrington.

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A Big Thank You to the kitchen staff and helpers who decorated the dining room so beautifully in the Dukes colours, and who prepared such a hearty and delicious meal of soup, roast meat and vegetables, and of course the familiar favourite dessert, ice cream with hot chocolate sauce.

Guests were entertained by the marvellous Dukes Band, looking resplendent in their scarlet tunics, under the baton of Captain Len Taylor. The Band will be performing at Rosedale on Monday evening, 21 May, at 19h00, and residents as well as guests are invited to attend what is sure to be a delightful evening of music.

Photo 12: Captain Len Taylor conducting the Dukes Band, which entertained the guests before the function

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